Testimonials

“We’ve been attending the NAISTD Annual Conference for the last 5 years. As a consulting firm that specializes in training incentive programs, we consider these Conferences an invaluable opportunity to further relationships with Program Directors and efficiently learn about program administrative changes and funding level fluctuations. The Conferences allow us to interact with Program Directors in a more personalized setting, and provide a great forum to offer feedback on the best practices and challenges of particular programs. Our repeated attendance has expanded the technical expertise of our team and fortified our credibility as knowledgeable consultants in this niche market. No other venues afford us the benefits provided via attendance at NAISTD Conferences. We’re big fans.”

Ken Smith, Marquis Group, Texas

“I have been a member of the NAISTD since 1988, when I was the Tennessee Industrial Training Service Director. In 1993, I moved to Alabama as Director of AIDT and continued my membership and participation. Each year when we gather at the NAISTD annual conference to discuss issues pertaining to our businesses; it is a very interesting learning experience to hear what the various state programs are doing, the issues they encounter with the respective legislatures, governors and leadership. To gain understanding about their best practices and new approaches to training for new technologies is an incredible learning experience. In years past, we have teamed up to develop training approaches for a variety of technologies and management systems. Finally, I treasure the friends I have around the country who I met through my professional organization, NAISTD.”

Ed Castile, AIDT – Alabama

I attended my first NAISTD conference last year, 2013. It was an incredible experience. I had the opportunity to talk to other state directors about innovative approaches to industry-training to meet the unique needs of employers. We discussed accountability measures, collaborating with state partners and strategies for working with state law-makers. Participants openly shared their experiences and best practices. I came back to my state with new ideas and great contacts I feel I can call for advice and fresh perspectives. This is a great organization.

Kathy Goebel, Policy Associate, Washington State Board for Community and Technical College

“ My association with NAISTD has increased my ability to network with other states. Attending the annual conference is a wonderful opportunity to learn other approaches to successful workforce organizing, collaborating and implementing. It is valuable to share experiences and presentations with a group devoted to industry specific training. Our dedication makes a difference in our community colleges, businesses, and economic vitality of our individual states!”

Yvonne Gilstrap, Colorado Community College System

“For greater than 27 years, I’ve worked within Economic and Workforce Development for the State of North Carolina. NAISTD has given me the opportunity for networking among all State Directors, identifying best practices and bench marking our Customized Training Program annually. Economic Development is more than a state initiative and recognizing the value as a region and a nation is a definite benefit to everyone.”

Maureen T. Little,North Carolina Community College System

“As an associate member for the past 4 years, I have been able to build a network of workforce development colleagues from across the United States. We share in best practices as well as sharing ideas that may not be suited to develop todays workforce. With ever changing technology it is nice to be able to discuss customized training. We may compete for business, but when it is all said and done at the end of the day, each of us has done our best to change people’s lives in a positive manner by raising their standard of living. It has been well worth the time and effort spent with others to learn and share these ideas.”